Page 3 of If Tomorrow Never Comes

Ocean Eyesrolls his eyes at me, then hands me the pair of black sunglasses he has tucked into his shirt.

My eyes are able to focus better now that there’s a polarized barrier—and I’m silently grateful for it. The shades are dark enough to hide my wandering eyes as I take in the space…and a little more ofhim.

The living room is airy and beachy. Wicker furniture, wide-planked wood floors, glass decor, and rope accents create an atmosphere that’s incredibly inviting.Beats the hell out of the dark, dank dungeon below it.

I can feel him watching me.Analyzing me.So I turn my head a fraction. From the corner of my eye, I swear I see a hint of a smile. It’s then he releases his hold on my neck, clearly realizing his threat struck home.I won’t run.

Beige leather flip-flops start clicking down the hall. My body is slow to register that the fading sound indicates the need to follow. I start scrambling to catch up, tripping over my own feet and falling to my knees behind him.

Son of a?—

“You learn quickly…already on your knees for me.” He smirks down at me before lifting me up under the arms like a doll. My bare feet find their place back on the smooth hardwood before we are moving down the hall again.

We climb yet another set of stairs. The muscles in my legs scream, threatening to give out on me again.Ocean Eyeswraps a supportive arm around my waist, bearing my weight, and guiding me the remainder of the way. After shuffling me down another long hallway, he stops and opens the door to a bedroom just as airy and stylish as the living room.

I don’t get the opportunity this time to take in the decor. I’mimmediately ushered into the en suite, his presence lingering just inches behind me, so close I can feel the heat radiating off his chest. Irrationally, I think about leaning back to absorb it all.Maybe I truly have lost my mind.

“Everything you need for a shower is there.” He points to the vanity. “Make it quick. You don’t want to keepEl Rompe Huesoswaiting long.”

Diego De La Cruz winks at me while crossing his arms over his chest and leans against the door. Not showing any signs of leaving me here alone.

Hell no.

“I’m not undressing in front of you,” I say between clenched teeth.

“Would you rather tío Geraldo be here to supervise you?” One of his dark eyebrows lifts in a challenge.

My brow arches in response to his, getting ready to argue. Before I get the chance, he opens the door and leaves. His head pops between the small opening he left, a stern look sweeping across his face. “I’ll be back in fifteen minutes to collect you. Be dressed and ready. There are clean clothes on the bed.”

And then he’s gone.

I turn and look at myself in the mirror, horrified by my reflection. The clothes from my graduation dinner are torn and filthy. Caked blood and grime coat my body along with a constellation of bug bites. Dark rings are carved beneath my red-rimmed eyes. My gaze travels down to my neck—which looks worse than it feels. Purple, blue, and green bruises are scattered around it like a necklace. The outline of Geraldo’s fingertips is imprinted on each side of my neck. Thumbprint markings stain the column of my throat.

Tears build behind my eyes as I strip my dress over my head and drop it to the floor. I reach into the shower behind me and turn it on. When the temperature becomes scalding, my fingers push into my underwear and yank them off. I toss both garmentsin the trash and try not to focus on the reminder of my graduation ceremony.What is my family thinking right now? There is no way Lexi bought anything the guys have told her.

Pulling the enormous glass door back, I step into the steaming shower. Immediately, the hot water makes contact with my skin, eliciting a high-pitched yelp from me.Agh, does that burn.I settle into the scalding water, letting the pain numb my thoughts.

Moving as quickly as possible, I grab the shampoo and start massaging it into my strands.Even my hands are weak.My fingers tingle and ache just washing my hair. Conditioner is next, followed by a good scrubbing of my entire body.

Holy. Fuck. A fresh razor is sitting in the shower niche. I make quick work of shaving my legs and underarms before rinsing and getting out. White fluffy towels are neatly stacked next to the shower. Collecting two, I wrap one around myself and another around my hair, then walk straight into the bedroom and bypass another glance in the mirror. If I look at myself again, I’ll just end up taking more inventory of my body.

And I really don’t have time to waste. I still need to get dressed. Plus, my body is about to change again anyway.

That is…if I even make it out of my meeting withTheBone Breaker.

I’ve used up ten minutes already. The remaining five I use to dress into the lace thong, black capri leggings, and gray sports bra laid out for me. With haste, I toss my hair up in a messy bun. Generously enough—there was a hair scrunchie provided.

A pair of black socks and sneakers are at the foot of the bed—which is gorgeous by the way.A king-sized bed takes up a large portion of the room. The headboard and footboard are made of driftwood that continues upward to create a delicate canopy, enhanced by sheer white curtains. Distressed white end tables are next to each side with blue nautical lamps sitting on top.Even the comforter goes along with the theme. Little starfish and coral embellish the sea green material.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

I’m taking in the decor when I should be looking for a phone or… I don’t know… a weapon, maybe. My eyes scan the room.Nothing. I guess I could use this lamp, but I’d probably miss and just end up getting punished. But if I was successful… then what? How am I getting off this island? I release a frustrated breath.

Hopefully Lia—I just hopehefinds me soon.

I pull the knot taut on the laces of my shoe as the door swings open.

“Time’s up,Mariposita.”

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